Concerti Bizarri

Irish Baroque Orchestra, Monica Huggett

Innovative instrumentation, unusual repertoire and an ensemble with a profound knowledge of historical performance practice makes this Irish Baroque Orchestra Linn debut unmissable. This programme of 18th century concertos is an attractive listening tour through the German courts, revealing unknown jewels.

Alongside the double cello concerto by Vivaldi and Telemann's concerto for two violins and bassoon sit the lesser known, but equally brilliant, concertos by Graupner, Heinichen and Fasch. One of the most beautiful combinations is the Graupner Triple Concerto for oboe d'amore, viola d'amore and flute d'amore, which produces an exquisite blend of other-worldly colours. Wonderfully kaleidoscopic colours also pervade the concertos by Heinichen and Fasch, the latter proving just why Telemann and Bach held him in such high esteem.

5 stars - Performance / 5 stars - Sound

'...virtuosic razzle-dazzle...deliciously alert, spirited, and free from affectation, its clarity is beautifully matched by the recording. No wonder Irish eyes are smiling!' BBC Music Magazine

5 stars - 'The music is always ear-catching and the captivating performances (and the bright recording) abound with verve and energy...' Early Music Review

5 stars - 'The bracing immediacy of baroque oboes and bassoon feature in works by Fasch, Telemann and Heinichen as well as Graupner, and deliciously nasal cellos in a double concerto by Vivaldi.' The Irish Times